Page 85 - Industries_of_San_Antonio

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COMMERCE AND MANUFACTURES.
In the enumeration of the commercial enterprises of cities it is in-
teresting to note the ratio of influence exercised by the different branches
of trade, comparatively ; the statistician in collecting data and tabulating
the results, has unusual facilities for forming estimates and observing the
bearing on general thrift and progress exerted by each in the special in-
ducements presented by cities to capitalists in quest of investments, or
business men seeking favorable localities. Among these, basing our judg-
ment on an experience of several years in the business, we would unques-
tionably give precedence to the various business branches connected with
the dry goods trade. The business enterprises and solidity of a city are,
In a great measure, indicated by the extent and character of her jobbing
houses. The great dry goods houses of the country have ever exercised a
powerful influence, and the old, wealthy and successful establishments
have become familiar by name and reputation in all sections of the land.
San Antonio is most favorably situated as to the great arteries and high-
ways of commerce, having invaluable connections by rail, with all parts
of the South, her mercantile ramification extending through it in every
direction and yearly growing larger and more important. One of the
chief factors in her progress has been the dry goods interests, and the
history of her largest wholesale and retail houses, while a necessity and
integral of her statistical biography, is also interesting and valuable as an
historical record and useful for. reference. This house was established in
1869, by Mr. L. Wolfson. The same policy which characterized the oper-
ations of the establishment through the preceding fifteen years of its suc-
cessful existence, has been adhered to, and still pushing his trade, its
transactions have been carried into the neighboring states, its influence
and reputation, gradually and surely extending, until it is now the rank
ing establishment in the South—a position to which it is justly entitled,
and which is fully accorded it. From his long experience, his extensive
transactions, the magnitude of his stock, and the well-known character-
istics of the proprietor of the house ; through all the years this house has
been in existence, the mutations in trade, incident to its long career, it has
ever maintained with brightening reputation, the perfect system, the high
degree of mercantile integrity and the elevated business enterprise with
which it was founded and which has rendered its success assured. It oc-
cupies one of the most commodious business houses in the city, the build-
ing being constructed of brick, with a frontage of 60 feet by 200 feet in
depth ; in height, three stories, including a finished cellar. In addition,
Mr. Wolfson utilizes two warehouses, one 55x125 feet in size, the other
30x60 feet, two stories in height. Thus he utilizes 46,475 square feet of
floor surface in the prosecution of his large business. The business roper-
ations are thoroughly organized into different departments, managed by
competent hands, all under the direct, personal supervision of the pro-
prietor. The stock carried will average $200,000 in value, and the annual
transactions will reach $300,000 to $400,000. He employs 52 assistants,